The following advice applies to a fire in which Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizers are involved and are decomposing.

• During the decomposition brown and/or white fumes of ammonia will be evolved.
• Avoid breathing the fumes. Fight the fire from upwind and from outside of buildings if possible. Use self-contained breathing apparatus if entering any area where fumes are present.
• Tackle a major decomposition with copious quantities of water, preferably with high-pressure water jets.
• Do not use Halon, CO2, dry powder or foam extinguishers, sand or other smothering agents.
• Evacuate and keep warm all personnel not involved in fire fighting away from the scene of the fire, and in particular, keep people away from the fumes.
• Ensure maximum ventilation as quickly as practicable. Open all doors and windows and roof openings if possible to help disperse the fumes and pressure build-up.
• Keep adjacent fertilisers cool by spraying with water, the more the better.
• Decomposing heaps of ammonium nitrate based fertilisers shall not be smothered in any way. Where safe to do so, heaps should be dismantled or opened up in order to gain better access to the decomposing fertiliser.
• If practicable and safe to do so, attempt to prevent molten ammonium nitrate based fertilizers entering the drains where explosive confinement could occur. Prevent or minimise contamination of water courses. In the event of such contamination, inform the Water Authority immediately.